System and method for capturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode

ABSTRACT

A system and method for capturing adjacent images includes an imaging device with a panorama manager that performs various procedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond to adjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching software program may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from the adjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated image parameters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to, and claims priority in, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/ 187,331, entitled “AutomaticExposure Correction,” filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The foregoing relatedapplication is commonly assigned, and is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to techniques for capturingvisual information, and relates more particularly to a system and methodfor capturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Implementing effective methods for capturing visual informationis a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively capturing visualinformation by utilizing electronic devices may create substantialchallenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands forincreased device functionality and performance may require more systemprocessing power and require additional hardware resources. An increasein processing or hardware requirements may also result in acorresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased productioncosts and operational inefficiencies.

[0006] Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform variousadvanced operations may provide additional benefits to a system user,but may also place increased demands on the control and management ofvarious device components. For example, an enhanced electronic devicethat effectively captures, processes, and displays digital image datamay benefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amountand complexity of the digital data involved.

[0007] In certain applications, a series of adjacent images may begenerated by system users of contemporary electronic devices. Suchseries of adjacent images may then be combined to produce variouspanoramic or three-dimensional representations of a given scene orobject. For example, three-dimensional images of a given target objectmay be effectively created with a series of adjacent images that arecaptured while circling the target object.

[0008] Due to factors like the growing demands on system functionality,it is apparent that developing new techniques for capturing visualinformation is a matter of concern for related electronic technologies.Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective systemsfor capturing visual information remains a significant consideration fordesigners, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for capturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode. Ina first embodiment, initially, a system user of a camera device maypreferably utilize any appropriate means to select a panorama mode forthe camera device. Then, the camera device may preferably capture aninitial frame of image data that includes one or more image parameters(such as an exposure parameter, or a white-balance parameter) that areset by an auto-correction module. Next, the panorama manager maypreferably store the initial image parameters from the captured initialframe of image data. The panorama manager may then disable theauto-correction module using any effective method. Then, the cameradevice may preferably capture all remaining adjacent frames of imagedata by utilizing the previously-stored initial image parameters.

[0010] In a second embodiment, initially, a system user may preferablyutilize any appropriate means to select a panorama mode for a cameradevice. Then, a panorama manager may preferably disable the operation ofan auto-correction module using any effective method or technique. Thecamera device may next preferably prompt the system user to perform asweep procedure across a target area that has been selected for creatinga panorama image.

[0011] Then, the panorama manager may preferably sample an imageparameter range of one or more image parameters from the selected targetarea. Next, the panorama manager may preferably select one or moreglobal image parameters based upon the previously-obtained sample setsof image parameters from the image parameter range. The panorama managermay select the foregoing global image parameters using any appropriatetechnique or method. For example, the panorama manager may set theglobal image parameters equal to a calculated average value or meanvalue from the sample sets of image parameters in the sampled parameterrange. Alternately, the panorama manager may compare the foregoingsample sets of image parameters from the sampled parameter range to aparameter lookup table for determining appropriate global imageparameters. In accordance with the present invention, the camera devicemay then preferably capture all adjacent frames of image data byutilizing the previously-selected global image parameters.

[0012] In a third embodiment, initially, a system user may preferablyselect a panorama mode for operation of a camera device by using anyappropriate and effective means or mechanism. Next, the system userpreferably may capture initial image data by utilizing the cameradevice. Then, a panorama manager may preferably store the capturedinitial image data into frame buffers at a prior frame location.

[0013] Next, the camera device may preferably capture and store a newframe of image data into the frame buffers at a current frame location.In accordance with the present invention, the panorama manager may thenpreferably perform a transition procedure on one or more imageparameters of the image data in the prior frame location of the framebuffers.

[0014] The panorama manager may then preferably archive the processedframe of image data from the prior frame location of the frame buffersinto a memory device. Then, the panorama manage may preferably transferthe image data from the current frame location of the frame buffers intothe prior frame location of the frame buffers. The third embodiment maythen preferably repeat the foregoing transition procedure on successivepairs of adjacent frames of image data until all frames in the sequencehave been captured and processed. The present invention thereforeprovides an improved a system and method for capturing adjacent imagesby utilizing a panorama mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a camera device,in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the capturesubsystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the control moduleof FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG.3, in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a series ofadjacent frames of image data;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacentimages by utilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacentimages by utilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the frame buffersof FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0023]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacentimages by utilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention relates to an improvement in visualinformation capture techniques. The following description is presentedto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventionand is provided in the context of a patent application and itsrequirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principlesherein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present inventionis not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdescribed herein.

[0025] The present invention comprises a system and method for capturingadjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode, and preferably includes animaging device with a panorama manager that may perform variousprocedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond toadjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching softwareprogram may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from theadjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated imageparameters.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of acamera device 110 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, camera device 110 may include, but is not limitedto, a capture subsystem 114, a system bus 116, and a control module 118.In the FIG. 1 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may be optically coupledto a target object 112, and may also be electrically coupled via systembus 116 to control module 118.

[0027] In alternate embodiments, camera device 110 may readily includevarious other components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. In addition, incertain embodiments, the present invention may alternately be embodiedin any appropriate type of electronic device other than the cameradevice 110 of FIG. 1. For example, camera device 110 may readily beimplemented as part of a scanner device or a digital camcorder.

[0028] In the FIG. 1 embodiment, once a system user has focused capturesubsystem 114 on target object 112 and requested camera device 110 tocapture image data corresponding to target object 112, then controlmodule 118 may preferably instruct capture subsystem 114 via system bus116 to capture image data representing target object 112. The capturedimage data may then be transferred over system bus 116 to control module118, which may responsively perform various processes and functions withthe image data. System bus 116 may also bi-directionally pass variousstatus and control signals between capture subsystem 114 and controlmodule 118.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 1 capture subsystem 114 is shown, in accordance with thepresent invention. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, imaging device 114preferably comprises a lens 220 having an iris (not shown), a filter222, an image sensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signalprocessor (ASP) 228, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 230, aninterface 232, and one or more motors 234 to adjust the focus of lens220. In alternate embodiments, capture subsystem 114 may readily includevarious other components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

[0030] In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may preferablycapture image data corresponding to target object 112 via reflectedlight impacting image sensor 224 along optical path 236. Image sensor224, which may preferably include a charged-coupled device (CCD), mayresponsively generate a set of image data representing the target object112. The image data may then be routed through ASP 228, A/D converter230, and interface 232. Interface 232 may preferably include separateinterfaces for controlling ASP 228, motors 234 and timing generator 226.From interface 232, the image data may pass over system bus 116 tocontrol module 118 for appropriate processing and storage.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 1 control module 118 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, control module 118 preferablyincludes, but is not limited to, a viewfinder 308, a central processingunit (CPU) 344, a memory 346, and an input/output interface (I/O) 348.Viewfinder 308, CPU 344, memory 346, and I/O 348 preferably are eachcoupled to, and communicate, via common system bus 116 that alsocommunicates with capture subsystem 114. In alternate embodiments,control module 118 may readily include various other components inaddition to, or instead of, those components discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 3 embodiment.

[0032] In the FIG. 3 embodiment, CPU 344 may preferably be implementedto include any appropriate microprocessor device. Memory 346 maypreferably be implemented as one or more appropriate storage devices,including, but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory,and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disc devices,hard disc devices, or flash memory. I/O 348 preferably may provide oneor more effective interfaces for facilitating bi-directionalcommunications between camera device 110 and any external entity,including a system user or another electronic device. I/O 348 may beimplemented using any appropriate input and/or output devices. Theoperation and utilization of control module 118 is further discussedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 4 through 9.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 3 memory 346 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, memory 346 preferably includes, butis not limited to, application software 412, an operating system 414, apanorama manager 416, frame buffers 418, a display manager 420, imagedata 422, an auto-correction module 424, and image parameters 426. Inalternate embodiments, memory 346 may readily include various othercomponents in addition to, or instead of, those components discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 4 embodiment.

[0034] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, application software 412 may includesoftware instructions that are preferably executed by CPU 344 (FIG. 3)to perform various functions and operations for camera device 110. Theparticular nature and functionality of application software 412preferably varies depending upon factors such as the specific type andparticular use of the corresponding camera device 110.

[0035] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, operating system 414 preferablycontrols and coordinates low-level functionality of camera device 110.In accordance with the present invention, panorama manager 416preferably may control and coordinate the operation of a panorama modeto effectively capture a series of adjacent images. Frame buffers 418may preferably store a prior frame of image data and a current frame ofimage data as further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0036] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, display manager 420 preferably mayaccess various image data and responsively display the image data uponviewfinder 308. In certain embodiments of the present invention,panorama manager 416 and display manager 420 may present various typesof user interfaces upon viewfinder 308 or elsewhere on camera device110. For example, a “panorama mode” indicator maybe displayed to signifythat camera device 110 is currently operating in a panorama mode. Imagedata 422 may preferably include individual frames of image data that areeach captured using capture subsystem 114 and responsively provided tocontrol module 118, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0037] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, camera device 110 may utilizeauto-correction module 424 to automatically generate sets of one or moreimage parameters 426 that each correspond to an associated frame ofimage data 422. Auto-correction module 424 may utilize any effectivemeans for generating image parameters 426. In the FIG. 4 embodiment,image parameters may include any desired characteristics, elements,aspects, or features that relate to a corresponding frame of image data422. For example, image parameters 426 may include one or more of anexposure parameter, a white balance parameter, a brightness parameter, acontrast parameter, a sharpness parameter, a hue parameter, a saturationparameter, and a color balance parameter. Image parameters 426 arefurther discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through 9.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of aseries of adjacent frames 510 of image data 422 is shown. In the FIG. 5embodiment, the series of adjacent images 510 includes, but is notlimited to, a frame 514, a frame 518, a frame 522, and a frame 526. TheFIG. 5 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration. Inalternate embodiments, selected series of adjacent images may readilyinclude various other frames with various other alignments, in additionto, or instead of, those frames and alignments discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 5 embodiment.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, the adjacent capturedframes 514 through 526 may be combined into a continuous extendedpanorama image by utilizing an image-stitching software program or anyother effective means. The foregoing image-stitching software programmay be locally present in camera device 110, or may be in a remotelocation, such as on a host computer device that may download andprocess image data 422.

[0040] A particular photographic target area represented by frames 514through 526 may include a significantly contrasting range of subjectmatter and scenic content. For example, lighting conditions across theforegoing photographic target area may range from very dark to extremelybright lighting conditions. Auto-correction module 424 in camera device110 may therefore generate individual sets of image parameters 426 thatvary widely from frame 514 through frame 526.

[0041] The foregoing substantial variation in image parameters 426 foradjacent frames 514 through 526 may typically result in significant lossof image cohesiveness when creating a panoramic image. For example, alack of consistent exposure parameters across frame 514 through frame526 may produce visible edges between adjacent frames. The presentinvention therefore provides an improved technique for minimizing suddenvariations in image parameters 426 between a series of adjacent framesof image data 422.

[0042] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, frames 514 through 526 each preferablyinclude an adjacent frame overlap with the other respective adjacentframes in the horizontal direction. In order for an image stitchingsoftware program to effectively create a continuous panorama image byconnecting corresponding edges of adjacent frames 514 through 526, anoptimized adjacent frame overlap may be utilized. For example, the imagestitching software program may require a certain adjacent frame overlapin order to successfully compare and join adjacent frames to therebyproduce a single continuous panorama image. However, in order toefficiently capture a maximum amount of new captured image data for eachadjacent frame, the optimized adjacent frame overlap may be minimized sothat a particular photographic target area may be captured with asmaller number of adjacent frames.

[0043] The FIG. 5 embodiment is disclosed with respect to a cameradevice 110 in which successive adjacent frames of image data 422 arecaptured in a sequence that moves from left to right across a givenphotographic target area. However, appropriate changes to theimplementation and configuration of camera device 110 may readily bemade to facilitate the capture of successive adjacent frames whilemoving camera device 110 in any desired direction. For example, a systemuser may utilize a user interface mechanism to choose from a selectablecapture sequence that includes one or more of a left-right sequence, aright-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of method steps forutilizing a panorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The FIG. 6 embodiment is presented for purposesof illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present inventionmay readily utilize various other steps and sequences than thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.

[0045] In the FIG. 6 embodiment, initially, in step 612, a system userof camera device 110 may preferably utilize any appropriate means toselect a panorama mode for camera device 110. Then, in step 616, cameradevice 110 may preferably capture an initial frame of image data 422with image parameters 426 set by auto-correction module 424. Next, instep 620, panorama manager 416 may preferably store the initial imageparameters 426 from the captured initial frame of image data 422.

[0046] In step 626, panorama manager 626 may then disableauto-correction module 424 using any effective method. Then, in step628, camera device 110 may preferably capture a next frame of image data422 by utilizing the stored initial image parameters 426 obtained inforegoing step 620. In step 640, camera device 110 determines whetheranother frame of image data 422 remains to be captured. If no additionalframes of image data 422 remain, then the FIG. 6 process terminates.However, if additional frames of image data 422 remain to be captured,then the FIG. 6 process preferably returns to foregoing step 628 tocapture all remaining frames by utilizing the stored initial imageparameters 426 obtained in foregoing step 620.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of method steps forutilizing a panorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The FIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposesof illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present inventionmay readily utilize various other steps and sequences than thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.

[0048] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, initially, in step 712, a system userof camera device 110 may preferably utilize any appropriate means toselect a panorama mode for camera device 110. Then, in step 716,panorama manager 626 may preferably disable the operation ofauto-correction module 424 using any effective method or technique.

[0049] In step 720, camera device 110 may preferably prompt the systemuser to perform a sweep procedure across a target area selected forcreating a panorama image. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, panorama manager416 and display manager 420 may preferably prompt the system userregarding the foregoing sweep procedure by using a user interface onviewfinder 308. Then, in step 726, panorama manager 416 of camera device110 may preferably sample a parameter range of image parameters 426 fromthe selected target area. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, panorama manager 416may capture one or more sample sets of image parameters 426 (forexample, five sample sets) from the selected target area. In certainembodiments, the number of sample sets may be proportional to therelative size of the selected target area.

[0050] In step 728, panorama manager 416 may preferably select globalimage parameters based upon the sample sets of image parameters 426 fromthe image parameter range sampled in foregoing step 726. In the FIG. 7embodiment, panorama manager 416 may select the foregoing global imageparameters using any appropriate technique or method. For example,panorama manager 416 may set the global image parameters equal tocalculated average values or mean values from the sample sets of imageparameters in the sampled parameter range. Alternately, panorama manager416 may compare the foregoing sample sets of image parameters from thesampled parameter range to a parameter lookup table for determiningappropriate global image parameters.

[0051] In step 732, camera device 110 may preferably capture an initialframe of image data 422 by utilizing the global image parametersselected in foregoing step 728. Then, in step 736, camera device 110 maypreferably capture a next frame of image data 422 by utilizing the sameglobal image parameters selected in foregoing step 728. In step 740,camera device 110 determines whether another frame of image data 422remains to be captured. If no additional frames of image data 422 remainthen the FIG. 7 process capture all remaining frames by utilizing theglobal image parameters obtained in foregoing step 740.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 4 frame buffers 418 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, frame buffers 418 preferablyinclude, but are not limited to, a prior frame location 812 and acurrent frame location 816. In alternate embodiments, frame buffers 418may readily include various other components and functionalities inaddition to, or instead of, those components and functionalitiesdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

[0053] In the FIG. 8 embodiment, prior frame location 812 may includeany appropriate information for representing a particular capturedtarget object 112 or other photographic subject matter. For example,prior frame location 812 may include a series of contiguous digitalpicture elements (pixels) that collectively represent a selected targetobject 112. In accordance with the present invention, image data 422 inprior frame location 812 preferably corresponds to a target object 112(or scene) that was most-recently captured and stored before the imagedata 422 that is stored in current frame location 816.

[0054] In the FIG. 8 embodiment, current frame location 816 may includeany appropriate information for representing a particular capturedtarget object 112 or other photographic subject matter. For example,current frame location 816 may include a series of contiguous digitalpicture elements (pixels) that collectively represent a selected targetobject 112. In accordance with the present invention, current framelocation 816 preferably corresponds to a target object 112 (or scene)that was most-recently captured and stored by camera device 110.

[0055] In accordance with the FIG. 8 embodiment of the presentinvention, panorama manager 416 may perform a transition procedure onthe image parameters 426 corresponding to image data 422 stored in priorframe location 812. In practice, panorama manager 416 may preferablyobtain initial image parameters 426 associated with image data 422stored in prior frame location 812. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, panoramamanager 416 may assign the foregoing initial image parameters 426 to thefar left section of image data 422 in prior frame location 812.

[0056] Panorama manager 416 may then gradually alter the initial imageparameters 426 in the direction of transition direction arrow 820 in alinear manner to produce transition image parameters 426 that ultimatelymatch the image parameters 426 of image data 422 along adjacent edge 824at the far left section of current frame location 816. In other words,panorama manager 416 may preferably interpolate the foregoing transitionparameters 426 to provide a gradual and approximately linear transitionbetween the initial image parameters 426 assigned to the far left edgeof image data 422 in prior frame location 812 and the image parameters426 provided for image data 422 in current frame location 816 byauto-correction module 424. The functionality and utilization of framebuffers 418 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 9.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of method steps forutilizing a panorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The FIG. 9 embodiment is presented for purposesof illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present inventionmay readily utilize various other steps and sequences than thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 9 embodiment.

[0058] In the FIG. 9 embodiment, in step 912, a system user preferablymay select a panorama mode for operation of camera device 110 by usingany appropriate and effective means or mechanism. In step 916, thesystem user preferably captures initial image data 422 by utilizingcamera device 110. Then, in step 920, a panorama manager 416 preferablystores the captured initial image data 422 into frame buffers 418 at aprior frame location 812.

[0059] In step 926, camera device 110 may preferably capture and store anew frame of image data 422 into frame buffers 418 at a current framelocation 816. Then, in step 928, panorama manager 416 may preferablyperform a transition procedure on image parameters 426 of image data 422in prior frame location 812 of frame buffers 418. In step 932, panoramamanager 416 may preferably store the processed image data 422 in priorframe location 812 (from foregoing step 928) into image data 422 ofmemory 346. Then, in step 936, panorama manage 416 may preferablytransfer image data 422 from the current frame location 816 of framebuffers 418 into the prior frame location 812 of frame buffers 418.

[0060] In step 940, the system user preferably may determine whether tocapture another frame in the sequence of adjacent frames. If the systemuser determines not to capture another frame in the sequence of adjacentimages, then the FIG. 9 method terminates. However, if the system userdetermines to capture another frame in the sequence of adjacent frames,then the FIG. 9 method preferably returns to step 926. The FIG. 9 methodthen preferably may repeatedly perform the foregoing steps 926 through936 until all frames in the sequence have been captured.

[0061] The FIG. 9 embodiment is discussed in the context of a cameradevice 110 that reiteratively performs the foregoing transitionprocedure on pairs of adjacent frames of image data 422 as the adjacentframes are captured by a system user. However, in alternate embodiments,the present invention may concurrently perform a transition procedure ona substantial number of adjacent frames. In addition, the foregoingtransition procedure may be performed by image processing software in aremote host computer that downloads the adjacent frames of image data422 from camera device 110.

[0062] The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for implementing a panorama mode in animaging device, comprising: a panorama manager configured to selectivelygenerate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent framesof image data that are captured by said imaging device; and a processorthat controls said panorama manager to thereby implement said panoramamode.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device isimplemented as one of a digital still camera and a digital scannerdevice.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein an image-stitching softwareprogram combines said adjacent frames of image data to form a compositepanorama image.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said panorama managerselects said one or more image parameters to avoid an excessivevariation between said adjacent frames of image data to thereby create acohesive composite image quality for said composite panorama image. 5.The system of claim 1 wherein said one or more image parameters includeat least one of an exposure parameter, a white-balance parameter, abrightness parameter, a contrast parameter, a sharpness parameter, a hueparameter, a saturation parameter, and a color balance parameter.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said imaging device includes a capturesubsystem, a viewfinder, and a control module, said control modulehaving a processor, a memory, and an input/output interface.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6 wherein said memory includes at least one of anapplication software program, an operating system, a panorama manager,frame buffers, a display manager, image data, an auto-correction module,and said image parameters.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein a systemuser selects a panorama mode for operating said imaging device.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein said imaging device captures and stores aninitial frame of said adjacent frames of said image data.
 10. The systemof claim 9 wherein said panorama manager stores an initial imageparameter value that corresponds to said initial frame of said imagedata.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein said panorama manager disablesan auto-correction module which automatically selects said one or moreimage parameters for said imaging device.
 12. The system of claim 11wherein said imaging device captures all of said adjacent frames of saidimage data by utilizing said initial image parameter value from saidinitial frame of said image data.
 13. The system of claim 8 wherein saidpanorama manager disables an auto-correction module which automaticallyselects said one or more image parameters for said imaging device. 14.The system of claim 13 wherein a display manager and said panoramamanager display a user interface that prompts said system user toperform a sweep procedure across a panorama target area with saidimaging device.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said imaging devicesamples and stores a parameter range of current image parameter valuesfrom said panorama target area.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein saidpanorama manager selects a global parameter value from said parameterrange of current image parameter values.
 17. The system of claim 16wherein said panorama manager selects said global parameter value bycalculating one of an average value of said parameter range and a meanvalue of said parameter range.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein saidpanorama manager selects said global parameter value by comparing saidparameter range of current parameter values to a pre-determined globalparameter lookup table.
 19. The system of claim 16 wherein said imagingdevice captures said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizingsaid global parameter value.
 20. The system of claim 8 wherein saidimaging device captures and stores an initial frame of said image datainto frame buffers at a prior frame location.
 21. The system of claim 20wherein said imaging device captures and stores a next frame of saidimage data into said frame buffers at a current frame location.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21 wherein said panorama manager performs a transitionprocessing procedure on said image data from said prior frame locationof said frame buffers.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein saidtransition processing procedure includes gradually modifying said one ormore image parameters from said image data in said prior frame locationof said frame buffers to thereby transition from original values of saidone or more image parameters at a first edge of said image data andlinearly progressing to matching parameter values at a second edge ofsaid image data, said second edge being adjacent to said image data insaid current frame location of said frame buffers, said matchingparameter values being equal to said one or more image parameters ofsaid image data in said current frame location.
 24. The system of claim22 wherein said transition processing procedure proceeds in a sequencethat is selected from one or more of a left-right sequence, a right-leftsequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.
 25. The system ofclaim 22 wherein said imaging device archives said image data from saidprior frame location of said frame buffers after said transitionprocessing procedure is completed.
 26. The system of claim 25 whereinsaid panorama manager transfers said image data from said current framelocation of said frame buffers into said prior frame location of saidframe buffers after said imaging device archives said image data thathas been processed during said transition processing procedure.
 27. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein said imaging device repeatedly captures andprocesses successive pairs of said adjacent frames of said image datausing said transition processing procedure.
 28. The system of claim 8wherein said imaging device captures and stores all of said adjacentframes of said image data, and wherein said panorama manager performs aglobal transition processing procedure on said all of said adjacentframes in a substantially concurrent event.
 29. The system of claim 1wherein an image processing program on a remote computer device performsa transition processing procedure on said adjacent frames of said imagedata to create a cohesive combined panorama image.
 30. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said imaging device captures said adjacent frames ofsaid image data in a selectable sequence that includes at least one of aleft-right sequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and adown-up sequence.
 31. A method for implementing a panorama mode in animaging device, comprising the steps of: utilizing a panorama manager toselectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding toadjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device;and controls said panorama manager with a processor to thereby implementsaid panorama mode.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said imagingdevice is implemented as one of a digital still camera and a digitalscanner device.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein an image-stitchingsoftware program combines said adjacent frames of image data to form acomposite panorama image.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein saidpanorama manager selects said one or more image parameters to avoid anexcessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data tothereby create a cohesive composite image quality for said compositepanorama image.
 35. The method of claim 31 wherein said one or moreimage parameters include at least one of an exposure parameter, awhite-balance parameter, a brightness parameter, a contrast parameter, asharpness parameter, a hue parameter, a saturation parameter, and acolor balance parameter.
 36. The method of claim 31 wherein said imagingdevice includes a capture subsystem, a viewfinder, and a control module,said control module having a processor, a memory, and an input/outputinterface.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein said memory includes atleast one of an application software program, an operating system, apanorama manager, frame buffers, a display manager, image data, anauto-correction module, and said image parameters.
 38. The method ofclaim 31 wherein a system user selects a panorama mode for operatingsaid imaging device.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein said imagingdevice captures and stores an initial frame of said adjacent frames ofsaid image data.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein said panoramamanager stores an initial image parameter value that corresponds to saidinitial frame of said image data.
 41. The method of claim 40 whereinsaid panorama manager disables an auto-correction module whichautomatically selects said one or more image parameters for said imagingdevice.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein said imaging device capturesall of said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said initialimage parameter value from said initial frame of said image data. 43.The method of claim 38 wherein said panorama manager disables anauto-correction module which automatically selects said one or moreimage parameters for said imaging device.
 44. The method of claim 43wherein a display manager and said panorama manager display a userinterface that prompts said system user to perform a sweep procedureacross a panorama target area with said imaging device.
 45. The methodof claim 44 wherein said imaging device samples and stores a parameterrange of current image parameter values from said panorama target area.46. The method of claim 45 wherein said panorama manager selects aglobal parameter value from said parameter range of current imageparameter values.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein said panoramamanager selects said global parameter value by calculating one of anaverage value of said parameter range and a mean value of said parameterrange.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein said panorama manager selectssaid global parameter value by comparing said parameter range of currentparameter values to a pre-determined global parameter lookup table. 49.The method of claim 46 wherein said imaging device captures saidadjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said global parametervalue.
 50. The method of claim 38 wherein said imaging device capturesand stores an initial frame of said image data into frame buffers at aprior frame location.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein said imagingdevice captures and stores a next frame of said image data into saidframe buffers at a current frame location.
 52. The method of claim 51wherein said panorama manager performs a transition processing procedureon said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers.53. The method of claim 52 wherein said transition processing procedureincludes gradually modifying said one or more image parameters from saidimage data in said prior frame location of said frame buffers to therebytransition from original values of said one or more image parameters ata first edge of said image data and linearly progressing to matchingparameter values at a second edge of said image data, said second edgebeing adjacent to said image data in said current frame location of saidframe buffers, said matching parameter values being equal to said one ormore image parameters of said image data in said current frame location.54. The method of claim 52 wherein said transition processing procedureproceeds in a sequence that is selected from one or more of a left-rightsequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-upsequence.
 55. The method of claim 52 wherein said imaging devicearchives said image data from said prior frame location of said framebuffers after said transition processing procedure is completed.
 56. Themethod of claim 55 wherein said panorama manager transfers said imagedata from said current frame location of said frame buffers into saidprior frame location of said frame buffers after said imaging devicearchives said image data that has been processed during said transitionprocessing procedure.
 57. The method of claim 56 wherein said imagingdevice repeatedly captures and processes successive pairs of saidadjacent frames of said image data using said transition processingprocedure.
 58. The method of claim 38 wherein said imaging devicecaptures and stores all of said adjacent frames of said image data, andwherein said panorama manager performs a global transition processingprocedure on said all of said adjacent frames in a substantiallyconcurrent event.
 59. The method of claim 31 wherein an image processingprogram on a remote computer device performs a transition processingprocedure on said adjacent frames of said image data to create acohesive combined panorama image.
 60. The method of claim 31 whereinsaid imaging device captures said adjacent frames of said image data ina selectable sequence that includes at least one of a left-rightsequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-upsequence.
 61. A system for implementing a panorama mode in an imagingdevice, comprising: means for selectively generating one or more imageparameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that arecaptured by said imaging device; and means for controlling said meansfor cohesively generating to thereby implement said panorama mode.
 62. Acomputer-readable medium comprising program instructions forimplementing a panorama mode by performing the steps of: utilizing apanorama manager to selectively generate one or more image parameterscorresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by saidimaging device; and controls said panorama manager with a processor tothereby implement said panorama mode.